The 32nd Annual CiderDays will take place November 6–8, 2026, bringing a weekend of apple-focused activities to Franklin County and the surrounding region. This annual celebration highlights the area's orchards, cider makers, agricultural heritage, and New England fall traditions, with events spread across communities from Greenfield, Deerfield, and Turners Falls to Shelburne Falls, Buckland, Colrain, Heath, and beyond.
CiderDays offers something for everyone, whether they prefer sweet cider, hard cider, or simply enjoy spending time among the region's beautiful orchards. Visitors can explore local cideries and orchards, watch cider-making demonstrations, sample different varieties, attend workshops, and learn more about apple growing and cider production.
A Weekend of Tastings, Tours, and Apple Experiences
The weekend schedule includes a wide range of activities at participating venues. A few highlights include:
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Wild and Seedling Pomological Exhibition: The seventh annual exhibition takes place Friday, November 6, at the Williamsburg Grange, showcasing the diversity of apples and apple varieties.
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Cider-making demonstrations and workshops: Visitors can learn about traditional cider production, apple pressing, orchard care, and even the science of fermentation.
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Orchard tours and tastings: Participating farms, including Clarkdale Fruit Farms, New Salem Cider, and Pine Hill Orchards, offer opportunities to explore local orchards and sample their products.
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Cider lectures and guided tastings: On Saturday, Raven Books at the Mill in Shelburne Falls hosts a free lecture series covering natural cider, heirloom apples, and the history of American cider. Guided tasting sessions are also planned, with tickets required.
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Cider Salons: The popular Cider Salon at Scott Farm offers a more in-depth tasting experience and requires advance registration.
Many activities throughout the weekend are free, while select tastings, dinners, and special programs require tickets or reservations.
Honoring Ben Watson
This year's festival is dedicated to the memory of Ben Watson, a pioneering figure in the regional cider movement and an influential voice in the modern craft cider community. Through his work as a cidermaker and author of Cider, Hard and Sweet, Watson helped shape the appreciation and understanding of traditional and craft cider. CiderDays 2026 honors his lasting contributions to the region and the wider cider community.
Plan Your CiderDays Weekend
Because events take place at locations throughout Franklin County and neighboring communities, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead. The full 2026 schedule, including event times, registration details, ticket information, and participating venues, is available on the official CiderDays Schedule of Events. The Venues page provides additional information about individual orchards and cideries, including their hours and special offerings.
Whether spending the weekend visiting several orchards or choosing one or two favorite events, CiderDays is a wonderful opportunity to experience the region's agricultural traditions, meet local producers, and enjoy the flavors of fall in Western Massachusetts.
All Photo Credit: Franklin County CiderDays
Franklin County and the Pioneer Valley in Western Massachusetts are known for their vibrant small towns, local farms, artists, and independent businesses. As a longtime local real estate expert, Wanda Mooney shares insights about the communities, lifestyle, and real estate opportunities that make this region such a special place to live.
For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog, or feel free to contact Wanda for professional real estate assistance.
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